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The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission is a five member board in the New Mexico state government responsible for regulation of public utilities, transportation companies, transmission and pipeline companies, insurance companies and other public companies.

Jerome D. Block resigned as commissioner on October 6, 2011 after pleading guilty to two felonies - credit card fraud and identity theft of another agency employee. Gov. Susana Martinez chose Howe as a replacement on November 7, 2011.[1] In November 2012 voters will elect somebody to represent the district for the following four years.[2]

Compensation

Controversies

An investigation in August 2011 found a series of questionable charges made to Commissioner Jerome Block's state-issued gas card, totaling over $8,000 during the first six months of the year.[4] On the heels of that revelation came charges alleging Block drove a car off of a sales lot to take it to a mechanic and never returned it. He was also found to be driving on a suspended license.[5]

On August 12 the commission removed Block from his position as vice-chair. They, along with many other state officials, have called on Block to resign. If he does not, State Speaker of the HouseBen Lujan, Sr. said he would form a committee to discuss Block's possible impeachment. Block and his father also have pending criminal charges against them for alleged misuse of public campaign money in 2008.[6]